On September 8, 2002 the expansion Texans shocked the NFL world and a national television audience by beating the hated Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium 19-10 in their inaugural game. They joined the 1961 Minnesota Vikings as the second NFL expansion teams to win their opening game. The Texans followed that piece of NFL history up by knocking off the Miami Dolphins to begin the 2003 season, thus becoming the only expansion team to win back to back season openers.
After consecutive 8-8 seasons, the Texans started the 2009 season with expectations of making the NFL playoffs for the first time ever. At midseason they looked like they were on track to do so with a 5-3 record.
But after another frustrating loss to their AFC South nemesis the Indianapolis Colts jumpstarted an ill timed four game losing streak, it put them in the position of needing to win their remaining four games and get help in order to make the playoffs.
They opened the 2010's with a critical must win home game against the NFL team of the 2K's, the New England Patriots. After falling behind 27-13, a 21 point fourth quarter comeback for the ages secured the 34-27 win for the Texans in front a a delirious sellout crowd and secured the first winning season in franchise history.
But to make the playoffs, thanks to their midseason swoon, they needed to have two out of three teams, the NY Jets, the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens lose.The Broncos obliged, but the Ravens and Jets won their games, thus eliminating the Texans from playoff contention.
Despite being disappointed the Texans fell just short of making the playoffs this year, I'm still happy for my hometown team.
They posted a winning record and have some positive momentum going into the 2010 season. Maybe next year I'll finally get the chance to see my boys beat the Indianapolis Colts and play in the NFL playoffs.